Finding a job in tough times

We hate to agree but times are tough, especially if you're looking to work for the federal government! Everywhere we turn; it seems that more and more companies are cutting jobs across the board and announcing enormous layoffs at all levels. If you’re happily employed, you’re perhaps relieved it’s not you. But if you are young, well-read and unemployed and have been scouting for a job for long, this seems like the perfect time for a reality check!

Today’s job market is awfully tough! Thousands of jobs have left and are never coming back. Several jobseekers have gone astray and are in a vicious cycle of putting in applications and fine tuning their resumes without any progress. But sometimes this is not enough! When times are tough, you need to readjust your focus and approach towards your job search. To succeed you need to know how the market really operates, foresee employer responses and behaviors and do the right things, in the right order, at the right time!

So here are some tried and tested tips to help you navigate through the madness and come out on the top in today’s rigorous job market:

Let nothing shake your determination:

There can be a lot of negativity around you, depressing economic analysis, diminishing volume of publicized jobs etc. etc. Well, you can either choose to be negatively affected by them or tune out some of this noise and not let it manipulate your own internal ‘voice’. Not suggesting that you overlook reality but you need to tell yourself that it is all transitory. Else all the negativity will impact your confidence and energy levels. So, start with the premise that you will sooner or later find a good position, chart out your plan, get help if required and get started.

Timing matters:

Several people hurry into a job hunt. They put themselves in front of the employers with no answer to the questions like “what are you looking for?”Or what all can you offer?”You throw yourself at opportunities without having the idea of what the employers are actually looking for. You might get an interview but most likely you will trip over the tricky questions about your enthusiasm to find a job as you are highly attuned to the early signs of rejection. So take time at the start of your job search to get your head around the change you’re trying to make. Going to the market prematurely means that you’ll be remembered for ambiguity. It’s always better knowing what’s out there and what employers are looking for while you are exploring to register your strengths. Don’t use genuine job applications as try-outs – interviews are difficult to get, so make each one count!

Get seen, Get heard:

Networking is merely chatting with people to dig out contacts, get insight into organizations or discover hidden opportunities. Keeping your job search an awkward secret merely adds to the time you spend doing it. So get used to talking to people. It can make a hell lot of a difference! Start by telling people what you’re interested in. You might be surprised at how many people you know who can actually help. Indulge in relaxed conversations with them about the work you’d love to do. Tell them areas you want to know more about and the organizations and professionals you wish to talk to. Professional networking sites are also a great platform to grow your base, particularly when connecting with ex- colleagues or classmates. So join professional groups and participate in events to know people in your domain. Work on your social media presence; take part in significant online forums; write articles on your areas of expertise or better start blogging! Do everything to elevate your professional profile. Build relationships with people who can probably campaign for you. You never know, the very next person you speak to could be the one who creates the lead to an incredible job offer!

Don’t limit your search:

Let me break it to you: In a tough job market companies are not waiting around to offer you that dream job! So don’t limit your search by only applying to openings that meet your precise criteria. Instead get innovative and keep an open mind when assessing job descriptions. Jobseekers often worry that they are either less qualified or too quailed for positions they apply for. Be candid with yourself about what you are competent for. Employers want to know what you have to offer them. So give your resume an overhaul and quantify your achievements and highlight what you have done. Demonstrate that you comprehend the industry lingo and sprinkle a few buzzwords into the mix.

Remember, even in tough times, some people are still doing well and so can you! So don’t be scared to show your eagerness for opportunities. Act hungry and show employer your enthusiasm to work! They want to hire people with energy and passion. People who can roll up their sleeves and hit the ground running, bringing instant value to the organization. Be open and passionate about what you’re looking for and what you have to offer in exchange.